Carla A. Schechner, 78 years young, passed away peacefully at home Sunday, November 21, 2021, in Raleigh, NC following a long, but amazingly fought illness. She was surrounded by her loving husband, Bob; her daughters, Stephanie and Heather; and family and friends near and far who held her spirit in their hearts as she gained her angel wings.

Born in 1943 to parents Matilda (d. 1990) and Pfc. Carl Staudacker (d. 1944). Carla was raised by her mother and step-father, Raymond Strong (d.1983). Carla grew up a true “Jersey Girl” in a cold-water flat in Jersey City where she learned at an early age that attitude is the game-changer in life. She would share with her beloved granddaughter, Skylar, that “no matter how many birthdays one celebrates, it’s all about one’s attitude.” She would prove this time and time again in her life as a first generation college graduate (Caldwell College,‘65), Masters of Education (Montclair State,‘67), forging a successful career as a math teacher in the public school system in Morristown, New Jersey, and in waging a 25 year battle with primary sclerosing cholangitis. No matter how many challenges were faced she never, ever, let her smile dim.

In 1963, a balding, charismatic, and downright crazy guy known to all simply as “Bob” whisked her off of a stock-room ladder in E.J. Korvettes, and began a nearly 60 year love story that most cannot imagine. They would marry in 1967 and raise two daughters, Stephanie Schechner, Ph.D. of Philadelphia, PA and Heather Schechner Pew of Knightdale, NC. Carla’s heart was completely captured by her two sons-in-law, Brian M. Norton and David D. Pew, and her sole granddaughter, her “Sweetcakes”, Skylar (Pew).

Math was Carla’s career, but artisan crafts were her passion. She was an accomplished cross-stitcher, custom card-maker, and award-winning quilter. Her first two quilt entries into the NC State Fair were awarded 1st and 4th place ribbons. She was never convinced of her talents but those around her were mesmerized.

Carla is survived by her husband, Robert/Bob;, her daughters and their spouses, Stephanie Schechner (Brian Norton), Heather S. Pew (David); granddaughter Skylar Pew; her sister, Trudi Steil; brother in-law, Richard G. Schechner and his spouse, Karen Knudsen; and niece,s Tracy Stefan and Lisa Buckley.

Family and friends are invited to visit with Carla’s family, Saturday, December 4, 2021, from 11am-2pm at The Greenway Club @ Falls River, 1300 Falls River Ave Raleigh NC 27614. Remarks will be made and recorded for out of town guests and those unable to attend. Masks are required indoors at the family's request. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Carla’s name are appreciated to any of the following organizations.

Transitions Life Care of Raleigh, NC

Duke Health

American Heart Association